among the people of Noah. When they died, the people devoted themselves to their graves, then made images of them. After a long time had passed, they began to worship them.”

Al-Bukhārī mentioned part of this account in his Sahīh, and also related Ibn ‘Abbās’s statement: “These idols passed to the Arabs.” Ibn Jarīr al-Tabarī and others related this in their Quran commentaries from several of the early generations. Others related it through several chains of transmission in “Stories of the Prophets.” I have discussed these matters at length elsewhere.

The first to fabricate these hadiths about travelling to visit shrines built over graves were the people of religious innovation—among the Rāfidah and others—who neglect mosques and venerate shrines, where partners are associated with Allah, truth is denied, and a religion for which Allah has granted no authority is invented. The Quran and Sunnah mention mosques, not shrines. As Allah Most High says:

“Say, ‘My Lord has commanded justice. Direct your faces toward Him at every place of prayer, and call upon Him with sincere devotion.’”

And He says:

“And the mosques belong to Allah, so do not invoke anyone alongside Allah.”

And He says:

“The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish prayer, and give zakah.”

And Allah Most High says:

“And do not have sexual relations with them while you are in devotional retreat in the mosques.”

And Allah Most High says:

“And who is more unjust than one who prevents Allah’s name from being mentioned in His mosques and strives to destroy them?”

It is authentically reported that he—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—used to say: “Indeed, those before you used to take graves as places of worship. Beware! Do not take graves as places of worship,